How did you first find out about bariatric surgery and what were your initial impressions of it?

I had heard about the older procedures for years and was all that inpressed but then A coworker of my mother's had the procedure done and gave my mom a pair of her jeans (that were now to largefor her) to give to me.My doctor had mentioned it to me before and at my next appointment metioned it again . I told what the heck lets give it a try ! My insurence turned me down so I just figued that it was'nt meant to be . At my next regular docters apoinment (six months later) My doctor asked me again about the procedure, I told him that the insurance company turned me down. HE WAS FURIOUS ! he could not beleive with my problems that would not approve me. He got on the phone and a few weeks later the surgyens office called to set my OR date.

Describe your experience with getting insurance approval for surgery. What advice, if any, do you have for other people in this stage?

KEEP TRYING HAVE YOUR FAMILY DOCTOR HELP DEAL WITH THE INSURANCE COMPANY

What was your first visit with your surgeon like? How can people get the most out of this meeting?

He was very nice and clearly explained all. Ask questions don't be afraid he's there to help you ! write down questions before hand.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I just could'nt take being in pain and not being able to funtion. I wanted to be able to move and enjoy the time I have left with my family !

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

It was my last option ! This or just give up !

What fears did you have about having complications or even dying from from the surgery, and what would you tell other people having the same fears now?

I was afaid of complications and health risk. Take care of yourself and follow a good healthy NEW lifestyle plan and diet !

How did your family and friends react to your decision? Would you have communicated anything differently if you could now? How supportive were they after your surgery?

They had mixed reactions ! It was kinda funny the one's that I thought would support me were reserved and the one's I thought would tell me not to were 100 % behind me. They have all been wonderful since my surgery !

How did your employer/supervisor react to your decision? What did you tell him/her? How long were you out of work?

everyone was behind me ! I had already decided I was not going back to work ! I am just beginning to enjoy my home and my children !

What was your stay in the hospital like? How long where you there? What things are most important to bring?

It was good the staff was friendly and helpfull ! I had my surgery at 10.00am and was on my way home by 1.00pm the next afternoon!

Did you have any complications from the surgery? If so, how did you deal with them?

I pulled one incision and it took much longer to close up but I just left it open and it closedup in a few weeks with no further problems.

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

kinda of scared ! I just kept busy and kept doing more research !

Describe your first few weeks home from the hospital. What should people expect from this period?

I had no problem ! I just wanted to keep moveing. After the first week I did slack off for awhile but I am back on track now!

How far did you travel to have your surgery? (If far, how did this affect your aftercare?)

maybe about 45 minutes

Please describe in detail what things you could and couldn't eat in the weeks and months following surgery. What foods have been off limits? Please explain how your dietary tolerance changed week-by-week, and then month-by-month since surgery.

chicken is still hard . but I was eating real food by the third week ! bread (SOFT bread) is still to much to handle . I still forget to eat slow but my body reminds me very quickly !

What was your actvity level in the days and weeks after surgery?

At first I had more energy then usual but then I started to neglect myself (which is realy not intellegent !) I got realy tired and week but now I 'm taking care and paying attention to myself again and am doing much better 1

What vitamins and/or dietary supplements have you taken since your surgery?

I take centrum but am looking for something else Its uncomfortable for a while after I take it but if you don't you will lose your strength !

What side effects (nausea, vomiting, sleep disturbace, dumping, hair loss etc.) were worse for you? For how long after surgery did they persist? How did you cope with them?

I only have vomited but only if I eat too fast or don't chew well ! I just have to remind myself to slow down !

What was the worst part about the entire bariatric surgery process?

when I vomit but that only happens when I get into too much of a hurry !

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Some would last months and I would think that is it but then i would start loseing a pound here and there again.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes ! people will try to help me . and tell me oh don't lift that or let the men do that when before I just grabed holed and helped out and now they think that I'm too weak or delicate to lift or do that !